experimental research

[ɪk-ˈsper-ə-ˈmen-təl ˈri-ˌsərch]
nounpl: experimental research (uncountable) / experimental researches (countable)
pesquisa experimental
1. A systematic investigation or study conducted to test a hypothesis or discover new facts through controlled experiments with variables manipulated to observe effects
The laboratory conducted experimental research to determine the effectiveness of the new vaccine.
O laboratório realizou pesquisa experimental para determinar a eficácia da nova vacina.
2. Scientific inquiry involving the deliberate manipulation of variables under controlled conditions to establish cause-and-effect relationships
Experimental research in psychology requires careful control of environmental factors.
A pesquisa experimental em psicologia requer controle cuidadoso de fatores ambientais.
3. A methodological approach that contrasts with observational or theoretical research by actively testing propositions through empirical testing
Unlike observational studies, experimental research allows researchers to establish causation.
Ao contrário dos estudos observacionais, a pesquisa experimental permite que pesquisadores estabeleçam causalidade.
In both Brazilian and American academic cultures, experimental research is highly valued as the gold standard for establishing scientific validity. In Brazil, experimental research methodologies are emphasized in graduate programs and institutional review boards (IRBs/CEPs - Comitês de Ética em Pesquisa) regulate such studies. In the USA, experimental research is fundamental to fields like medicine, psychology, and engineering, and is subject to rigorous oversight by Institutional Review Boards. The term carries significant prestige in both cultures as it implies rigor, objectivity, and reproducibility.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
empirical researchcontrolled experimentationlaboratory researchquantitative researchhypothesis testing
Antonyms / Antônimos
observational researchtheoretical researchqualitative researchdescriptive research

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
pesquisa experimental
Standard term used in academic and scientific contexts throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
pesquisa experimental / experimento científico
Both terms are used interchangeably in academic institutions
São Paulo
pesquisa experimental
Preferred term in major research institutions and universities
Portugal
investigação experimental / pesquisa experimental
Both terms are acceptable; 'investigação experimental' is slightly more formal in Portuguese Portuguese

Related Words

control groupexperimental designhypothesisvariablemethodologydata analysispeer reviewreplication

Related Idioms & Phrases

conduct experimental research
design an experiment
control variables
test a hypothesis
replicate findings
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